Business & Tech

10 Places to Scrounge for Last-Minute Gifts

Whether you've forgotten to buy the babysitter a gift or you need to pick up one last present, the North Fork has plenty of stores that will be open on Christmas Eve Day.

If Christmas Eve Day sneaks up on you and you've just starting your shopping, don't panic. There are plenty of businesses open on the North Fork to pick up that last-minute gift.

1. Candy Stores

Who doesn't love candy on Christmas? On the North Fork, you can stop by the Candy Man in Orient, Sweet Indulgences in Greenport, or the Love Lane Sweet Shoppe in Mattituck for some great gift ideas.

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2. Wineries

Many of the North Fork Wineries are open for business on Christmas Eve. Whether you are looking for the perfect bottle of merlot, shirts with your favorite winery's name on it, or a gift basket filled with local treats, North Fork wineries can fulfill your wine lover's gift list. Duck Walk, and Osprey's Dominion in Peconic have many great gift ideas. In Cutchogue, try Castillo di Borghese, Peconic Bay Winery, or Pugliese for wines, hand-painted glasses and wine accessories. Le Close Therese Vineyard and Martha Clara in Aquebogue, or Jamesport Vineyards are perfect stops for people on the western end of the North Fork.

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3. Radio Shack

There is no need to travel to a big box store for electronics when there is a Radio Shack next to the Mattituck Cinemas. Whether you are looking for a remote control car, new phone, or electronics accessory, Radio Shack has a large selection.

4. Pharmacies

Whether you run into Colonial Drugs in Greenport or the Southold Pharmacy, or stop by CVS or Rite Aid in Mattituck, pharmacies both large and small offer a variety gifts. Everything from toys, to cosmetics, picture frames, candy, and stocking stuffers are found down the aisles of North Fork pharmacies. Many even sell wrapping paper, cards, and ribbon to complete your gift.

5. Liquor Stores

Throughout the North Fork, small liquor stores dot the hamlet centers. Many carry wine from across the world, specialty liquors, and gift packs. Maybe the best part about shopping in a liquor store on Christmas Eve is that they wrap your gift on site and then you're good to go. Try the Village Liquor Store and Showcase Wine and Liquors in Southold, Peconic Liquors in Cutchogue, or JB Liquor Store or Claudio's Liquor Store in Greenport.

6. Restaurants

Who doesn't like a gift certificate to their favorite eatery for Christmas? Many restaurants are open for Christmas Eve dinner and make perfect stops for those last- minute gifts. Scrimshaw in Greenport, Tweed’s in downtown Riverhead,  Touch of Venice in Cutchogue, O’Mally’s in Southold, and aMano on Route 25 in Mattituck are just a few local restaurants open on Christmas Eve. Click here for more places to go Monday night for dinner.

7. Bakeries

If you're looking for last-minute gifts to take with you, artisan bread, cookies, pastries, cakes, and pies, are all great options. Blue Duck Bakery in Southold, Peconic Baking Company in Riverhead, and Sacred Sweets in Greenport offer a variety of different products in all price ranges.

8. Grocery Stores

Whether you want to make a customized gift basket, buy a case of beer, or buy cookware accessories, local grocery stores have a lot to choose from. Stop by IGA in Greenport, Southold, or Shelter Island, King Kullen in Cutchogue and Waldbaums in Mattituck and see what they have.

9. Clothing Stores

Specialty clothing stores dot the streets in the Village of Greenport. Kharmah, Impulse, and Preston's all carry clothing and accessories. In Mattituck, try Renee's Women's Wear, Chap's Corner or Kid's Corner for the latest fashions.

10. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven might not be a place that pops in your mind as a great place to get gifts, but they do have gift certificates, phone cards, scratch off lottery tickets, "As Seen on TV" items, candy, beer, and other miscellaneous items perfect for a host or hostess gift or even a last-minute gift basket. With locations in Greenport, Southold, Cutchogue, and now Mattituck, 7-Eleven is always a convenient stop and open all day on Christmas Day.

About this column: Our daily guides will show you where to shop, where to eat, and where to be merry this holiday season. Have you gotten all of your shopping done yet? Tell us in the comments.


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